CONNECTIONS NEWSLETTER ISSUE 9

COLLEGEWORKS GRADUATES 6, PROMOTES 12

"Because of CollegeWorks, I can now express myself better and ask for help when I am struggling," Angelica Rudd said in a program testimonial.

Over the summer, six students graduated from the CollegeWorks program, and 12 students moved up from year one to year two of the course. The CollegeWorks program launched in 2004, when The Arc, Oneida-Lewis began a collaborative project with Mohawk Valley Community College, creating the CollegeWorks program on the MVCC Utica campus. CollegeWorks is a two-year certificate program for people with intellectual and other disabilities that focuses on vocational skills training on the MVCC campus and in the community. In 2010, the program expanded to include instruction on the MVCC Rome campus. In its 18-year history, over 125 students have graduated, with many finding competitive employment or independent living in the community.

"During my time at CollegeWorks, I have become more motivated and have more friends," said Vincent Carchedi.

The 2022 graduating class included:

Liam Behric Vincent Carchedi Michael Gwin Angelica Rudd Miralem Seho Gage Smith

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) Commissioner Kerri Neifeld was the keynote speaker for the graduation ceremony. Also in attendance was Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, who presented students with certificates of recognition. Assemblymember Brian Miller also sent certificates to each of the graduates.

"Through CollegeWorks, I have become more independent," said Miralem Seho.

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